Americas

Opposition 'wins' Paraguay polls

Ex-bishop unseats world's longest-ruling party with most of the results counted.

21 Apr 2008 01:04 GMT

Lugo has an almost 10-point lead with nearly three-quarters of the votes counted [AFP]

"Today we've written a new chapter in our nation's political history," Lugo said, although he stopped short of claiming victory.

Full results could take up to two weeks to be announced but firecrackers resounded in the capital Asuncion and cars clogged streets and honked their horns to celebrate what looked like Lugo's imminent victory.

Thousands of Lugo supporters rallied in a central square.

Paraguay's 2.9 million eligible voters cast ballots for a new congress as well as a president on Sunday.